Brescia student and Director of Campus Ministry to represent Canada at the IV World Congress on the Pastoral Care of International Students in Rome

News Release
November 25, 2016
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LONDON, ON – Brescia University College’s Director of Campus Ministry, Catherinanne George and second-year international student, Maggie McLellan have been selected by Canadian Catholic Campus Ministry (CCCM) to represent Canada in Rome at the IV World Congress on the Pastoral Care of International Students, beginning November 28th through December 2nd.

The four-day event takes place once every five years, and is designed to offer university chaplains and international students the opportunity to explore and reflect on ways the higher education community can facilitate a holistic reception of international students to meet their diverse needs and address critical issues impacting them. Over 120 delegates from over 40 countries will attend the Congress and take part in a series of lectures, workshops, round-table discussions and an Audience with Pope Francis.

George and McLellan were selected from a pool of candidates through a blind application process with CCCM – the selection committee did not know both participants were from Brescia. McLellan, originally from Washington, D.C., will be one of 30 international students attending. In addition to being selected for the Congress, McLellan was also one of four students chosen by the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People to be a presenter for the continent of North America in a round-table discussion on “Social dialogue in the university life towards the common good of the society.”

“It is a privilege for both Maggie and me to be selected for this rare opportunity to represent the wonderful chaplaincy programs and international students across Canada,” says George. “As Canada’s only women’s university, the needs of our students are paramount, and we have always worked to create a community of inclusivity, and to celebrate women in a global perspective.” George goes on to say, “I am confident that the connections made and insights gained at the Congress will not only continue to enhance the positive work we are doing to recognize and celebrate our diverse community at Brescia, but will also strengthen pastoral care for all international students across Canada.”

Brescia University College, Canada’s only women’s university college, is affiliated with Western University. The 1,500 women registered as either full- or part-time students at Brescia study a wide variety of subjects in Arts, Social Sciences, Business, and Foods & Nutrition in an empowering, compassionate, student-centred, and invigorating environment. Degrees are granted by Western. The Catholic University College welcomes students from all backgrounds and values diversity. For more current and archived news, a listing of faculty experts, and photos please visit our Online Media Room at http://media.bresciauc.ca/